Gift of 100 acres revitalizes Lee Land Trust

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If the holiday season is about dreams coming true, then it is appropriate that the Lee Land Trust just announced its first gift of land. They'd been waiting since 1994. Since incorporating, the organization has been ready to receive land - but had no donors. Then, on his deathbed, East Lee resident Donato E. Cedrone, an arts patron and early supporter of the Ted Shawn dancers at Jacob's Pillow in Becket, bequeathed 100 acres to be protected in perpetuity by the land trust. "I now know how one phone call can change your life," says Dierdre Consolati, co-founder of the land trust. "That phone call revitalized me ... we were now fulfilling our mission." That mission, according to Consolati, includes promoting the preservation of Lee's natural heritage through responsible land management, providing information on how land can be gifted or put under development restriction, and to foster appreciation of Lee's natural resources. The land trust operates independently of any town board. The trust kept busy doing environmental clean-ups and other tasks. But this gift, which represents a sizable contribution to the undeveloped landscape of the town, put them, so to speak, on the map. Desirable property Cedrone's gift includes 35 acres on the west side of Route 20 before the turnpike overpass, and contains a building that was once home to one of Lee's first families. The forested land continues south and east to meet the 112 acre parcel owned by the Trustees of the Reservation. The 65 acre parcel on the north side of Route 20 extends 1/2 mile east from Chestnut St. and 1/2 mile north from Route 20. Consolati was given a copy of a letter, dated 1943, by the historian for Jacob's Pillow Dance Theatre, which describes Cedrone's land. Barton Murmar wrote, "The brook that caused all the damage in the hurricane year runs right past his door, a figure S around the place in fact - but it is the 75 acres of land that turned out to be so beautiful that it literally made me speechless. First rolling meadows like the open field at Mary's, but much more beautiful, then it climbs and climbs, with more and more gorgeous views spreading out. You get into the folds of hills, shutting away the highway, all houses, and you could be a thousand miles from civilization. Great grey boulders.. and finally way, way up, a pine forest with an ages old carpet of needles a foot deep. It is really one of the most beautiful places imaginable." Cedrone, an oriental rug expert and consultant, acquired the land in pieces. He purchased the barn first, with the brook behind it - the house purchase came later. Cedrone finally obtained the entire property in 1956. Descendents of the previous owners had settled the area in the 1770's according to Consolati, whose mother, Florence Consolati, has written a book on the history of Lee. The Barlow family were among the first residents of the area known as Dodgetown - the high valley between East Mountain and East Lee. The farmhouse, at 1310 Cape Street, will need extensive renovation, but the trust hopes to create a museum or at least a by-station for the Appalachian Trail, which runs nearby. Advocates say town should act The land trust has insured the acerage. In addition to gifts of land, land trusts also buy land, and this is where Consolati would like the town to act. She says that matching grants are available to purchase land that would otherwise be sold privately for development, and that the select board should go after them. At a recent town meeting, the select board seemed less than enthusiastic about taking on that job, suggesting that the land trust do it. "I believe that the town leaders need to take care of their citizens and infrastructure, and scale back development," says Consolati. She says that there must be a balance between enlarging the tax base with development, and preserving the open spaces of land for the enjoyment of future generations. Though she was opposed to the building of the Lee Outlet Village and is against the Silverleaf expansion at Oak and Spruce, she says she has supported jobs and growth. "I've supported without question the need for sustainable jobs and building a technology park on 102 in South Lee, and all of the resources that entails." Land debate continues Consolati grew up in Lee and says that the second-home-buying boom of the 90s has changed the landscape forever. She cites the diving rocks near the boat ramp on Rt. 20 at Laurel Lake as the latest example. The popular swimming hole sat on a non-conforming parcel, and was purchased for $70,000. It is now being cleared for a home, yet a report in the Berkshire Eagle today indicates that there are roadblocks ahead concerning curb cuts to Rt. 20 from the property. In the meantime, State Representative Christopher Hodgkins has pledged to find the money to buy the land back from the new owners, to preserve it's natural beauty for the town. Across the street from this property is the Village at Laurel Lake assisted living and retirement community, which Consolati also opposed. Land trusts exist in other Berkshire County towns - in fact, there is a Berkshire Land Trust Alliance. Historically, Lee has been a blue-collar town, with economic concerns paramount to environmental issues. Lee has a working mill and three hardware stores, and is considered less of a tourist town than Stockbridge or Great Barrington. Consolati was part of a small but vocal opposition to the Outlet Village. But most agree that a gift of land is a bonus for the town, and she says that she believes that the town is delighted with her acquisition. "I feel there's been support among the community," she said. "This event was well noted by the Lee community." Descendents of the Barlow family attended a December 5 meeting announcing the acquisition.
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Spectrum Cable Hearing Set in North Adams

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A public hearing for the renewal of the cable television contract for four North Berkshire communities will be held on Wednesday, April 24, at 6 p.m. at City Hall. 
 
The 10-year contract with Spectrum/Charter Communications will cover the city of North Adams and the towns of Adams, Cheshire and Clarksburg. 
 
The hearing in Council Chambers is open to residents of all four communities. In-person attendance is encouraged but a remote option is available here via Zoom. 
 
Topics covered during the hearing will include the future of cable-related community needs and interests (community television) and performance of the operator under the cable license. It does not include internet or other provided services. 
 
The hearing is required under state law as part of the contract renewal process. Any documents or reports relating to the contract can be obtained through the governmental offices of each community.  
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